CIS members to discuss cooperation in periodical press and book publishing

On June 25-26, Minsk will host the 3rd session of the CIS Interstate council on co-operation in periodical press, book publishing, book distribution and printing.

Experts chaired by Russian Press Minister Mikhail Lesin will discuss the practice of CIS countries in counteracting publishing and distribution of pirated books, the headquarters of the CIS Executive Committee in Minsk reported on Monday.

The session's agenda also includes measures to mutually reduce post tariffs, benefits for deliveries of periodical press and books.

In February 1995, the CIS member states signed an agreement on co-operation in book publishing, book distribution and printing, and in June 1999 eight CIS countries signed an agreement on co-operation in periodical press.

In order to fulfil these agreements the CIS set up the Inter-state council comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Tajikistan. The council's first session was held in November 2000.